Arsenal: The winners and losers from Gabriel Jesus’ Injury

Arsenal is on thin once again in the striker department with the injury to Gabriel Jesus.

After an injury that saw star forward Gabriel Jesus undergo surgery this past week, Arsenal is now looking stretched as far as strikers go. It shouldn’t be all dark clouds ahead for Arsenal though, as there will be those who benefit from this.

Entering the remainder of the Premier League season, Arsenal is on top of the table, but I’m sure many Arsenal fans fear this could be the beginning of the end of their title hopes, given how integral Gabriel Jesus has been for their side (and how reactive football fans truly are).

Let’s look at both sides of the coin:

Winners

Eddie Nketiah – Eddie Nketiah was surely a bit upset when he first heard of the rumors of Gabriel Jesus coming into the Arsenal side, when he had freshly penned his signature to a long-term deal at Arsenal, with more playing time promised. Towards the end of last season, Nketiah proved that he deserves a shot at a starting berth, albeit he just needs to add consistency to his game. Last season, he finished with 5 goals, scoring all different kinds of goals. His tally included 2 right-footed goals, 2 left-footed goals, and a headed finish to round out his finishing game.

Even now, during Arsenal’s most recent friendly against Lyon, Nketiah proved once again that he has what it takes, as he was one of the most impressive players on the pitch. He scored and appeared ready to show his stuff once again in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta – For a number of reasons, I think Arteta also comes out of this injury crisis unphased. On top of having an easier selection to make at striker ( he could even put Martinelli up top if he wants to), he has the opportunity to go to the board with transfer demands, with the added leverage of how well Arsenal is doing this season. Now, this only stands to work if the board truly understands the situation they are in, that they could genuinely go on and win the title if certain things go their way.

Arsenal doesn’t have to rush to the transfer market for strikers, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad idea. The bigger picture here is how the striker they go and get (if they do, in fact, go in for one) fit into the picture once Jesus returns. Regardless, a bolster in their striking options could prove very useful not just for the remainder of this season for Arsenal, but the ones to come as well and Arteta has the opportunity to add another player to this increasingly impressive squad.

Losers

Gabriel Jesus  – Jesus has worked hard to get to where he is at, to be selected for the World Cup squad, and an injury setback for him must be incredibly irritating. He has started every Premier League match so far this season, and not having a genuine timeline on a return only adds to the mental side of recovering from this injury. Arsenal will hope when Jesus returns, hopefully, this season, he will be back to his best.

Arsenal (maybe) – This year, as it looks now, is Arsenal’s first year in over a decade where they look like they are genuinely challenging for a title. They came second to Leicester City back in 2016 but were still 10 points behind the eventual winners come the end of the season.

There have been flurries of good football, but not something this sustained. Jesus’ injury might just disrupt this continuity they have going this season and could prove their undoing when it comes time to lift the title in May.

Again, this is a maybe, depending on how they react and if they go out and snag somebody in the January transfer window. There is also the possibility that Eddie Nketiah decides to start showing out, putting in consistently solid performances which help Arsenal sustain their efforts to lift the Premier League trophy in May. However, as of now, this appears to be a significant hurdle that Arsenal will need to overcome.

How do you think Gabriel Jesus’ injury will affect Arsenal’s season?